Mobility aid retention clip

ABSTRACT

A walking cane retention clip that provides convenient temporary placement of the cane so that the user can perform a two-handed task. The retention clip provides a garment clasping region for attachment to a garment such as a waistband, a belt or both. A mobility aid receiving region is used for releasably retaining a mobility aid such as a cane or walking staff. The retention clip comprises a unitary construction that is configured for vertical or horizontal retention of a mobility aid. The retention clip is fabricated from high strength materials that are capable of delivering long-term function without significant risk of wear or mechanical failure. The retention clip is configured and fabricated from materials that facilitate cleaning and sanitization of the retention clip.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the art of canes, walking sticks andstaffs. More particularly, the invention relates to a waist-mounted caneretention clip having improved holding capability and ergonomicfunctionality.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Throughout history people have used canes, walking sticks and staffs tofacilitate personal mobility. Canes, walking sticks, hiking staffs,trekking poles, and walking umbrellas may commonly be referred to as“mobility aids.” There are many reasons why a person may require the useof a mobility aid, such as to overcome a physical disability, increasebalance, or conserve energy. The use of a mobility aid assists a personto walk straighter, in natural and proper body alignment, which in turnminimizes stress and strain upon joints and muscles. By using a mobilityaid, people are able to participate and enjoy various daily activitiesthat otherwise would have been difficult without the use of such an aid.

However, mobility aid users frequently encounter a predicament uponarrival at a chosen destination, that being a convenient way totemporarily store the mobility aid while performing a two-handed task.Examples of such tasks may include, checking out at a cash register,pumping gasoline, taking field notes, or making copies in an officeenvironment. As a result, many mobility aid users will clumsily attemptto hold the aid while performing the two-handed task. Some disadvantagesof holding the aid during the task are the risk of dropping the aid,taking excessive time to perform the task, interference with performingthe task or generally feeling inept. Frequently, some users may lean themobility aid against a counter, surface or object for temporaryplacement while performing the two-handed task. However, this presentsan opportunity for the mobility aid to fall to the ground. With themobility aid now on the ground, a user is required to bend down andretrieve the aid. In doing so, depending on the user's agility, the usermay suffer discomfort, injury, muscle/joint strain, or loss of balance.

Additionally, using a mobility aid quite often has negative connotationsthat represent a loss of independence, nuisance, awkwardness, andgeriatric predisposition. These factors can discourage the consistentuse of a mobility aid or discourage the use of a mobility aidaltogether.

There have been several attempts to provide a convenient way totemporarily secure a mobility aid while performing a two-handed task.One device comprises a lanyard that is worn around the user's neck.Attached to the lanyard is a preformed rubber-type loop into which amobility aid may be inserted. While useful to some extent, this designhas the drawback of dangling the mobility aid across the user's torso.This makes performing the desired task more difficult because thedangling mobility aid is directly in front of the user and may strike orswing into the user. There is also the possibility of the user trippingwhile storing the mobility aid using this device, particularly if thetask requires lower body movement, because the aid may become entangledbetween the user's legs. Additionally, cleaning and sanitizing the loopis difficult because the loop is made of a porous rubber-type material.The ability to clean and sanitize a mobility aid and its associatedhardware is extremely important in healthcare settings andrehabilitation facilities. Furthermore, this device does not place themobility aid in a “ready-to-use” position or at a safe and proper heightwhere the user may instinctively reach for and use the aid.

Another device that attempts to provide a hands-free mobility aidretention device comprises a leather strap configured in a double loopor “FIG. 8” shape. One loop is secured with a belt to the user's waist,the other loop is for sliding the mobility aid within. Although useful,this design has disadvantages such as: requiring the user to hang themobility aid such that the aid could drag the ground, the lengthy secondloop may catch on environmental objects such as tables and chairs, andthe leather-type material is difficult to clean or sanitize.

In other waist mounted devices, these generally comprise a holster orscabbard type configuration that requires the user to lift the bottom ofthe mobility aid to waist level and then insert the aid through anopening in the device and slide the aid into the device lengthwise(similar to inserting a sword into a sheath). While useful, this designrequires extensive movement of the mobility aid and does not provide forquick subsequent retrieval of the aid in case of an emergency. Also,these devices are typically fabricated from cloth or leather and aredifficult to clean or sanitize.

Additionally, there are other devices that provide a retractable tetheror leash that is attached to the mobility aid. One teaching of amobility aid retention device with a retractable tether is found in U.S.Pat. No. 4,884,730 to Carpenter, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference. The '730 Patent teaches the use of a waistmounted spring-loaded pulley with a retractable tether that is attachedto the mobility aid. Although this design may be beneficial when themobility aid is dropped, by providing a way to retrieve the aid withoutbending down, it requires that the aid be attached to the tether andthis limits freedom of movement. Additionally, while the user is walkingconstant energy is required to keep the mobility aid from beingretracted or pulled into a non-stable position by the device. Also, dueto the multi-part construction of the device cleaning and sanitizationare difficult to perform.

Another teaching of a mobility aid retention device with a retractabletether is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,385 to Simon, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference. The '385 Patent teaches theuse of a wrist-mounted spring-loaded retractable tether. Althoughsomewhat useful, this wrist mounted device hinders the “hands-free”objective of providing the user with a way to temporarily store the aidwhile performing a two-handed task. Also, since the mobility aid isattached to the user's wrist, it is likely that the aid will interferewith the task at hand. This device also requires that a tether beattached to the mobility aid and with its multi-part construction mayprove difficult to clean or sanitize.

Additionally, the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,722 to Hutchinson etal., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference,provides a cane holder that attaches to the user's clothing and preventsthe cane from falling to the ground. Although this device does permit auser to temporarily store a mobility aid at their side, it requires thata tether be attached to the aid by way of a hook-and-loop fastener andits multi-part construction may prove difficult to clean or sanitize.

Against this background of innovation, currently available mobility aidretention devices still suffer from severe deficiencies in providing: areadily accessible means for temporary placement; a retention devicethat does not require affixing anything to the aid; an aid retentiondevice that is ergonomically positioned; a device constructed of highstrength materials durable enough to withstand long-term, repeated,daily use; an easily sanitized device; or a device that producespositive perceptions surrounding use of a mobility aid. Correspondingly,current mobility aid retention devices have not met with significantsuccess to date.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a mobility aid retention clip enabling the userto instinctively store and naturally retrieve the mobility aid withoutattaching anything to the aid and further providing for easy cleaningand sanitizing of the clip.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a mobility aid retention clipfor releasably retaining a portion of a user mobility aid when installedon a user garment. The retention clip has a garment clasp portion and amobility aid receiving portion.

The garment clasp portion includes a resilient leg portion having a topend, a substantially rigid central support member having a top end, anda web member having opposite ends that integrally connect to each of thetop ends and mutually space the leg portion and the support member. Theleg portion, the web member, and the central support member togetherdefine a garment clasping region.

The mobility aid receiving portion is integrally formed with the centralsupport member. The receiving portion includes a substantially resilientcurved retention cradle extending away from both the support member andthe garment clasp portion. The receiving portion provides a concavereceiving surface for a portion of the mobility aid. The retentioncradle has a distal end with an integrally formed essentially S-shapedrelease cusp curving inwardly toward the support member and thenoutwardly thereof. The release cusp and support member providing acradle pinch-point there between, wherein the retention cradle andcentral support member together define a mobility aid receiving regionfor a portion of the mobility aid. The cradle pinch-point is sized toreleasably retain the portion of the mobility aid.

The invention may further comprise a mobility aid retention clip that isfabricated as a unitary construction. The unitary construction may befabricated from a thermoplastic polymer.

In another embodiment, leg portion has a bottom end with a garmentrelease flange integrally formed from the bottom end and extendingtoward the central support member. The release flange and support memberform a garment pinch-point there between for releaseably clasping aconfronting garment portion when the clip is installed. The garmentrelease flange may be formed in an arcuate shape with a convex surfacefacing the garment clasping region.

Another embodiment includes a central support member that has a bottomend and wherein the mobility aid receiving portion is integrally formedfrom the bottom end of the central support member, so that the retentioncradle extends generally towards the web member.

In one embodiment, the central support member has a first side edge anda second side edge; and the mobility aid receiving portion is integrallyformed from the first side edge of the central support member, so thatthe retention cradle extends towards the second side edge. Conversely,in another embodiment, the mobility aid receiving portion may beintegrally formed from the second side edge of the central supportmember, so that the retention cradle extends towards the first sideedge. In this way the, the retention clip may accommodate either left orright handed users.

In another embodiment, there is established a mobility aid receivingregion longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel with respect toan established garment clasping region longitudinal axis. In contrast,another embodiment has a mobility aid receiving region longitudinal axisthat is substantially perpendicular with respect to a garment claspingregion longitudinal axis.

The invention enables a person to conveniently and effortlessly store amobility aid at their waist. The mobility aid retention clip provides anintuitive and easy way to temporarily store a mobility aid without anycomplex attachments or devices. The invention is constructed of highstrength materials suitable for long-term, repeated use.

The invention further provides a retention clip that is easy to cleanand sanitize, an important factor for users with disabilities andmultiple health conditions who may be at a greater risk because ofcompromised immune systems. Correspondingly, viral and bacterialconcerns may be addressed with cold germicidal methods or steamsterilization of the retention clip in rehabilitative facilities,medical settings, and long-term care settings as well.

Finally, the invention provides increased ease of use in storing amobility aid and increases self-confidence, independence, productivityand usefulness for the user because the user has an efficient means fortemporary placement of the mobility aid while performing a two-handedtask.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed descriptionand claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts orstructure throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mobility aid inserted into a retentionclip, as viewed from above;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a mobility aid retention clip, as viewedfrom above;

FIG. 2B is an elevation view of a mobility aid retention clip, as viewedfrom the right side;

FIG. 2C is an elevation view of a mobility aid retention clip, as viewedfrom the front;

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the mobilityaid retention clip, as viewed from above;

FIG. 3B is an elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the mobilityaid retention clip, as viewed from the right side;

FIG. 3C is an elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the mobilityaid retention clip, as viewed from the front.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention relates to a cane, walking stick, or staff retention clip.In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features and processes have been indicatedalthough not described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a retention clip 100attached to a garment such as a waist band or belt 102 worn about thewaist of an individual. A mobility aid 104 has a portion 106, such as ahandle, secured within the retention clip 100. As used herein, the term“mobility aid” indicates a device such as a cane, walking stick, hikingstaff, trekking pole, walking umbrella, or other item that a personwould use to enhance personal mobility or involvement in variousactivities. Additionally, the term “garment” as used herein is definedas an article of clothing such as a waistband, belt or sash that is wornabout the waist of an individual.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view illustrating the retention clip 100. Theretention clip 100 has a garment clasping region 200 and a mobility aidreceiving region 202. As shown in FIG. 2A, the garment clasping region200 opening is generally oriented in a downward direction and themobility aid receiving region 202 opening is essentially oriented in anupward direction with respect to the primary horizontal and verticalaxes of the retention clip 100. The garment clasping region 200 has alongitudinal axis 201 projected along the clasping region. The mobilityaid receiving region 202 has a longitudinal axis 203 projected along thereceiving region.

FIG. 2B is an elevation view from the right side of retention clip 100.In this view, the garment clasping region 200 is formed between aresilient leg portion 204, a web member 206, and a substantially rigidcentral support member 208. The resilient leg portion 204 has a top end204 a and a bottom end 204 b. The web member has opposite ends. Thecentral support member 208 has a top end 208 a, a bottom end 208 b, anda first side edge 208 c and a second side edge 208 d (shown in FIG. 2C).The web member 206 integrally connects and mutually spaces both top endsof the leg portion 204 and central support member 208 such that the legportion 204 and central support member 208 extend in a generallyparallel relationship therefrom.

A garment release flange 210 is integrally formed from the bottom end204 b of the leg portion 204 and opposite the web member 206. Thegarment release flange 210 is substantially quarter circular in profile.The release flange 210 engages a waist band, bottom of a belt or both sothat the retention clip 100 is securely attached to the garment. Agarment pinch point 216 is formed between the release flange 210 and theretention cradle 212, and provides a means for securely engaging awaistband, a belt or both.

Also in FIG. 2B, the mobility aid receiving region 202 is essentiallysemicircular in profile and is formed between a curved retention cradle212 and the substantially rigid central support member 208. Although themobility aid receiving region 202 is shown in circular shape, otherappropriate shapes include ovals or other suitable geometric shapes forretaining a mobility aid. The central support member 208 provides asupportive structure with sufficient rigidity to allow the leg portion204 and retention cradle 212 to independently deflect and thus permitreleasable retention of a garment and a mobility aid, respectively. Theretention cradle 212 tangentially extends from the bottom edge 208 b ofsupport member 208 and opposite the web member 206. In one specificexample, the retention cradle 212 is approximately 1″ in diameter orsimilar size to adequately accommodate a portion 106 of a mobility aid.

A curved retention cradle release cusp 214 tangentially extends from thedistal end of retention cradle 212 inversely curving away from thecentral support member 208. The release cusp 214 allows deflection ofthe retention cradle 212 away from the central support member 208 forinsertion of a portion 106 of a mobility aid 104.

A cradle pinch point 218 is formed between the retention cradle releasecusp 214 and the central support member 208 and provides a means forreleasably retaining a mobility aid within the receiving region 202. Thecradle pinch point 218 is sized such that the cradle pinch point 218 issmaller than the diameter of retention cradle 212 and the cradle pinchpoint 218 is sufficiently spaced from the central support member 208 tofacilitate receipt of a portion 106 of a mobility aid 104 upon minimalresilient deflection of retention cradle 212. For example, the diameterof portion 106 of the mobility aid 104 is about 1″, the diameter of theretention cradle 212 is about 1″ and the distance defined by the cradlepinch point 218 is about 0.75″.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2C, the garment clasping region longitudinalaxis 201 and mobility aid receiving region longitudinal axis 203 arearranged in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to eachother. Additionally, in these views retention cradle 212 is shownextending from the bottom edge 208 b of the central support member 208to beyond the mid-point of the central support member 208. It iscontemplated that the height and width of the retention clip 100 issized sufficient to provide adequate support for releasable retention ofa mobility aid. For example, the height is preferably about 2″ to 2.5″and the width is preferably between approximately 1″ to 1.5″.

The garment clasping region 200 and mobility aid receiving region 202are preferably formed such that they will releasably retain a garmentand a mobility aid respectively. This functionality is accomplished whenthe supporting structure for each cavity has some resiliency or residualspring tension. In this way, the supporting structure can be momentarilydeflected to permit insertion of an item and then the structure returnsto the pre-deflected position when released as a result of the residualspring tension or material resiliency.

The retention clip 100 is fabricated from several known types ofmaterials. Some examples of suitable construction materials are:thermoplastic sheet, thermoformed polymers, thermoset polymers, fiberreinforced composites, metals, alloys, plastics, epoxies or resins.These materials provide a vast variety of textures, patterns, colors andaesthetic appearance options. The construction material should providehigh strength, durability, resiliency, flexibility (semi-rigid),low-porosity, elastomeric memory, spring tension, and lubricious glidecharacteristics. The finished thickness of the construction material isapproximately 0.125″ and should provide sufficient support andflexibility for releaseable retention of a mobility aid and a garmentwaistband or belt. The actual minimum thickness may diverge from the0.125″ dimension depending on the specific material characteristics. Forexample, a thermoplastic polymer may require 0.125″ thickness to provideadequate support and flexibility; however, if a fiber reinforced polymeris used a thickness of 0.060″ may prove sufficient.

There are several well known manufacturing processes that are suitableto produce the structure of the present invention. Some examples ofvarious processes are: injection molding, thermal forming, vacuumforming, composite lay-up, casting, extrusion or machining. Thesemanufacturing processes are well known and not described in detail so asnot to obscure the invention.

It is contemplated that the structure and components are formed usinginjection molding techniques and a resilient thermoplastic polymer suchas: filled and unfilled polyetherimide, acrylic-polyvinyl chloridealloy, or other high performance engineering polymers. There are manyother plastics and variations available that provide a vast array ofsuitable material properties. The specific material properties can beadjusted or modified by the addition of dissimilar materials. Thesedissimilar materials may include fiberglass, carbon fibers, metal flakeand pigments to name a few.

In operation, the retention clip 100 is attached to a waistband, a beltor both. By momentarily deflecting the leg portion 204, this permits thegarment clasping region 200 to expand and encompass a waistband, belt orboth. Upon release, the internal spring tension of the leg portion 204will snugly clasp the waistband. The deflection is effectuated byplacing the waistband at the entrance to the garment clasping region 200adjacent to the garment pinch point 216 and applying a downward force toslide the retention clip 100 onto the waistband.

Now with the retention clip 100 adequately attached at the user's waist,the user can conveniently store a mobility aid within the retentioncradle 212. By positioning a portion 106, such as the handle, of themobility aid 104 in the receiving region 202 and using a pinching orsqueezing motion between the mobility aid and the bottom of theretention cradle 212, the mobility aid receiving region 202 willslightly expand and permit the mobility aid to seat within the retentioncradle 212. To remove the mobility aid 104 from the retention clip 100,the user applies an upward force on the handle of the mobility and anopposing force on the central support member 208, thus causing themobility aid receiving region 202 to expand and release the mobility aidfrom the retention clip. Alternately, the user can momentarily deflect(expand) the retention cradle 212 by depressing the release cusp 214 ina generally outward direction away from the central support member 208and then simultaneously applying an upward force on the mobility aid.

An alternate embodiment for the retention clip 300 is shown in FIGS.3A-3C where the mobility aid receiving region longitudinal axis 203 isarranged in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect tothe garment clasping region longitudinal axis 201. In this embodimentthe manufacturing processes, materials and operation are essentiallysimilar to the embodiment previously described and are not repeated toavoid undue prolixity.

FIG. 3B is an elevation view from the right side of retention clip 300.In this view, the garment clasping region 200 is formed between aresilient leg portion 204, a web member 206, and a substantially rigidcentral support member 208. The resilient leg portion 204 has a top end204 a and a bottom end 204 b. The web member has opposite ends. Thecentral support member 208 has a top end 208 a, a bottom end 208 b, afirst side edge 208 c and a second side edge 208 d. The web member 206integrally connects and mutually spaces both top ends of the leg portion204 and central support member 208 such that the leg portion 204 andcentral support member 208 extend in a generally parallel relationshiptherefrom.

A garment release flange 210 is integrally formed form the bottom end204 b of the leg portion 204 and opposite the web member 206. Thegarment release flange 210 is substantially quarter circular in profile.The release flange 210 engages a waist band, bottom of a belt or both sothat the retention clip 100 is securely attached to the garment. Agarment pinch point 216 is formed between the release flange 210 and thecentral support member 208, and provides a means for securely engaging awaistband, a belt or both.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, the mobility aid receiving region 202 isessentially semicircular in profile and is formed between a curvedretention cradle 212 and the substantially rigid central support member208. Although the mobility aid receiving region 202 is shown in circularshape; other appropriate shapes include ovals or other suitablegeometric shapes for retaining a mobility aid. The central supportmember 208 provides a supportive structure with sufficient rigidity toallow the leg portion 204 and retention cradle 212 to independentlydeflect and thus permit releasable retention of a garment and a mobilityaid, respectively. The retention cradle 212 tangentially extends fromthe first side edge 208 c of central support member 208 and generallytowards the second side edge 208 d of central support member 208. In onespecific example, the retention cradle 212 is approximately 1″ indiameter or similar size to adequately accommodate a portion 106 of amobility aid.

A curved retention cradle release cusp 214 tangentially extends from thedistal end of retention cradle 212 inversely curving away from thecentral support member 208. The release cusp 214 allows deflection ofthe retention cradle 212 away from the central support member 208 forinsertion of a portion 106, such as the shaft, of a mobility aid 104.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3B, a cradle pinch-point 218 is formedbetween the retention cradle release cusp 214 and the central supportmember 208 and provides a means for releasably retaining a mobility aidwithin the receiving region 202. The cradle pinch-point 218 is sizedsuch that the cradle pinch-point 218 is smaller than the diameter ofretention cradle 212 and the cradle pinch point 218 is sufficientlyspaced from the central support member 208 to facilitate receipt of ashaft portion of a mobility aid 104 upon minimal resilient deflection ofretention cradle 212. For example, in one embodiment the diameter of theshaft portion of the mobility aid 104 is about 1″, the diameter of theretention cradle 212 is about 1″ and the distance defined by the cradlepinch point 218 is about 0.75″.

Referring to a combination of FIGS. 3B & 3C, the garment clasping regionlongitudinal axis 201 and mobility aid receiving region longitudinalaxis 203 are arranged substantially perpendicular with respect to eachother. The mobility aid receiving region 202 is arranged substantiallyoffset with respect to the primary vertical axis of the central supportmember 208. Additionally, retention cradle 212 is shown extending tobeyond the mid-point of central support member 208. It is contemplatedthat the height and width of the retention clip 100 would be sufficientto provide adequate support for releasable retention of a mobility aid.For example, the overall height and width is preferably about 2″ to2.5″.

Although the retention cradle 212 has been shown extending from thefirst side edge 208 c generally towards the second side edge 208 d ofcentral support member 208, another embodiment is configured such thatretention cradle 212 extends from the second side edge 208 d generallytowards the first side edge 208 c. In these alternate configurations theretention clip 300 accommodates either left or right handed mobility aidusers.

With this alternate orientation of the garment clasping region 200 andmobility aid receiving region 202 this embodiment is well suited forvertically oriented retention of a cane, walking stick or staff. It iscontemplated that this embodiment operatively engages the mobility aidalong a primary shaft. Additionally, this embodiment is adapted toretain a mobility aid that has an oversized handle or grip forreleasable retention about the shaft of the aid.

The mobility aid retention clip invention disclosed herein providesseveral advantages not found in known mobility aid retention devices.Firstly, the invention enables the user to secure their mobility aid attheir waist. Consequently, the aid is conveniently ready for use andquick access. Secondly, the invention provides for a very simple devicethat does not require any attachments to the mobility aid or complicatedadjustments to the retention clip. Thirdly, the invention provides aretention platform that is intuitive and natural to use by ergonomicallypositioning the clip where the mobility aid may be secured during normalphysical movement. Consequently, the user instinctively reaches for themobility aid at their waist, where the aid is “at-the-ready”. Fourthly,the components of the invention are fabricated from a substantiallysmooth, non-porous high strength polymer, durable enough to withstandlong-term, repeated daily use. Fifthly, the physical construction issuch that cleaning and sanitizing are facilitated and non-problematic.Finally, the invention addresses the user's emotional response andprovides the user with a positive, enabling, experience with a mobilityaid that restores a feeling of usefulness, continued independence,confidence and increased productivity unlike other mobility aidretention innovations to date. The increased convenience and ease ofusing a mobility aid can promote greater compliance in restorative andrehabilitative therapies, reducing length of treatment, medical costs,and possibly reducing dependence upon public assistance.

Although the above provides a full and complete disclosure of thepreferred embodiments of the invention, various modifications, alternateconstructions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art.For example, the retention clip may be configured to clasp anotherportion of a person's clothing such as a pocket, a vest, a jacket, or anaccessory (such as a waist-level purse, a backpack, or a satchelshoulder strap). Also, the retention clip may be a two piececonstruction where the garment clasp portion pivots with respect to themobility aid retention portion. Additionally, the aesthetic appearanceof the invention may be altered to provide an enhanced fashionablestatement such as incorporating various embellishments like inlayartwork/contouring, or color coordination with wardrobe items.Therefore, the disclosure should not be construed as limiting theinvention, which is defined by the claims.

1. A mobility aid retention clip for releasably retaining a portion of auser mobility aid when installed on a user garment, said retention clipcomprising: a garment clasp portion including a resilient leg portionhaving a top end, a substantially rigid central support member having atop end, and a web member having opposite ends that integrally connectto each of the top ends and mutually space the leg portion and thesupport member, wherein the leg portion, the web member, and the centralsupport member together define a garment clasping region; and a mobilityaid receiving portion integrally formed with the central support member,the receiving portion further comprising a substantially resilientcurved retention cradle extending away from both the central supportmember and the garment clasp portion and providing a concave receivingsurface for said portion of the mobility aid, the retention cradlehaving a distal end with an integrally formed essentially S-shapedrelease cusp curving inwardly toward the central support member and thenoutwardly thereof, the release cusp and central support member providinga cradle pinch-point there between, wherein the retention cradle andcentral support member together define a mobility aid receiving regionfor said portion of the mobility aid; and wherein the cradle pinch-pointis sized to releasably retain said portion of the mobility aid.
 2. Themobility aid retention clip of claim 1, wherein the retention clip isfabricated as a unitary construction.
 3. The mobility aid retention clipof claim 2, wherein the unitary retention clip is fabricated using athermoplastic polymer.
 4. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 1,wherein the leg portion has a bottom end with a garment release flangeintegrally formed from therein and extending toward the central supportmember, wherein the release flange and support member form a garmentpinch-point there between for releaseably clasping a confronting garmentportion when the clip is installed.
 5. The mobility aid retention clipof claim 4, wherein the garment release flange is formed in an arcuateshape with a convex surface facing the garment clasping region.
 6. Themobility aid retention clip of claim 1, wherein the central supportmember has a bottom end and wherein the mobility aid receiving portionis integrally formed from the bottom end of the central support member,so that the retention cradle extends generally towards the web member.7. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 1, wherein the centralsupport member has a first side edge and a second side edge; and whereinthe mobility aid receiving portion is integrally formed from the firstside edge of the central support member, so that the retention cradleextends generally towards the second side edge.
 8. The mobility aidretention clip of claim 1, wherein the central support member has afirst side edge and a second side edge; and wherein the mobility aidreceiving portion is integrally formed from the second side edge of thecentral support member, so that the retention cradle extends generallytowards the first side edge.
 9. The mobility aid retention clip of claim1, wherein a mobility aid receiving region longitudinal axis issubstantially parallel with respect to a garment clasping regionlongitudinal axis.
 10. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 1,wherein a mobility aid receiving region longitudinal axis issubstantially perpendicular with respect to a garment clasping regionlongitudinal axis.
 11. A mobility aid retention clip for releasablyretaining a portion of a user mobility aid when installed on a usergarment, said retention clip comprising: a garment clasp portionincluding a resilient leg portion having a top end, a substantiallyrigid central support member having a top end, and a web member havingopposite ends that integrally connect to each of the top ends andmutually space the leg portion and the support member, wherein the legportion, the web member, and the central support member together definea garment clasping region; and a mobility aid receiving portionintegrally formed with a bottom edge of the central support member, thereceiving portion further comprising a substantially resilient curvedretention cradle extending away from both the central support member andthe garment clasp portion, so that the retention cradle extendsgenerally towards the web member, and providing a concave receivingsurface for said portion of the mobility aid, the retention cradlehaving a distal end with an integrally formed essentially S-shapedrelease cusp curving inwardly toward the central support member and thenoutwardly thereof, the release cusp and central support member providinga cradle pinch-point there between, wherein the retention cradle andcentral support member together define a mobility aid receiving regionfor said portion of the mobility aid; and wherein the cradle pinch-pointis sized to releasably retain said portion of the mobility aid.
 12. Themobility aid retention clip of claim 11, wherein the retention clip isfabricated as a unitary construction.
 13. The mobility aid retentionclip of claim 12, wherein the unitary retention clip is fabricated usinga thermoplastic polymer.
 14. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 11, wherein the leg portion has a bottom end with a garment releaseflange integrally formed from therein and extending toward the centralsupport member, wherein the release flange and support member form agarment pinch-point there between for releaseably clasping a confrontinggarment portion when the clip is installed.
 15. The mobility aidretention clip of claim 14, wherein the garment release flange is formedin an arcuate shape with a convex surface facing the garment claspingregion.
 16. A mobility aid retention clip for releasably retaining aportion of a user mobility aid when installed on a user garment, saidretention clip comprising: a garment clasp portion including a resilientleg portion having a top end, a substantially rigid central supportmember having a top end, and a web member having opposite ends thatintegrally connect to each of the top ends and mutually space the legportion and the support member, wherein the leg portion, the web member,and the central support member together define a garment claspingregion; and a mobility aid receiving portion integrally formed with afirst side edge of the central support member, the receiving portionfurther comprising a substantially resilient curved retention cradleextending away from both the central support member and the garmentclasp portion, so that the retention cradle extends generally towards asecond side edge, and providing a concave receiving surface for saidportion of the mobility aid, the retention cradle having a distal endwith an integrally formed essentially S-shaped release cusp curvinginwardly toward the central support member and then outwardly thereof,the release cusp and central support member providing a cradlepinch-point there between, wherein the retention cradle and centralsupport member together define a mobility aid receiving region for saidportion of the mobility aid; and wherein the cradle pinch-point is sizedto releasably retain said portion of the mobility aid.
 17. The mobilityaid retention clip of claim 16, wherein the retention clip is fabricatedas a unitary construction.
 18. The mobility aid retention clip of claim17, wherein the unitary retention clip is fabricated using athermoplastic polymer.
 19. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 16,wherein the leg portion has a bottom end with a garment release flangeintegrally formed from therein and extending toward the central supportmember, wherein the release flange and support member form a garmentpinch-point there between for releaseably clasping a confronting garmentportion when the clip is installed.
 20. The mobility aid retention clipof claim 19, wherein the garment release flange is formed in an arcuateshape with a convex surface facing the garment clasping region.